Waste Not with JBF and Bill Telepan

Experience the art of plant-based dim sum in this hands-on class, where you'll craft a variety of vegan bites inspired by classic dim sum flavors. Learn traditional techniques and plant-based adaptations to dumplings, spring rolls, buns, and rice porridge, and pair them all with fragrant tea and a sweet dessert. Students will work in groups to prepare Chili Crisp Smoked Tofu & Scallion Gyoza; Five Spice Mushroom Spring Rolls with Apricot Ginger Sauce; Sweet Hoisin Eggplant & Crushed Peanut Steamed Buns; Ginger Scallion Congee with XO Glazed Seitan Crumbles; and Chrysanthemum Goji Tea with Dark Chocolate Red Bean Truffles. (Note: This class is vegan.)

Although it contains vast areas of arid landscape, the Middle East is a fertile spot on the culinary map. Over the years, various empires have ruled the region's countries, leaving their imprint on the colorful, aromatic and diverse flavors. Recipes are dominated by spice blends, in-season vegetables and fruits, grains, olives and olive oil, nuts, herbs, and pickled and preserved foods. From Beirut, the “Paris of the Middle East,” to Jerusalem, considered the oldest city in the world, you will get a taste of the incredible culinary heritage with a magnificent vegetarian menu of hummus; tabbouleh; spicy falafel, tahini sauce; baba ghanoush and homemade pita.

Under the guidance of skilled ICE pastry chefs, you'll learn the art of tempering chocolate. You'll use these tempered chocolates as you practice essential methods for making various chocolate confections. You'll also learn a wide assortment of elegant and colorful chocolate-decorating techniques for your treats. Recipes include: chocolate English toffee; chocolate peanut butter cups; chocolate bark; chocolate bars and chocolate-dipped confections.

Sushi-making doesn't have to be limited to the view from a seat at your local Japanese restaurant. Bring the sushi bar home by practicing your skills at preparing nigiri (sashimi fish on top of thumb-size, compact sushi rice), perfecting the texture of rice, and learning the proper techniques to create a stellar hand roll. Once you've gotten the basics down, you will try your hand at: sushi rice; maki and futomaki rolls (both thin and thick), inside-out rolls; nigiri and temaki (hand roll).. You will soon learn that sushi is something you too can master.